Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in Tacoma, WA

Providing Skilled Legal Representation for Accident Victims

Injuries in any auto accident can turn your world upside down. Knowing that a distracted driver caused your injuries can be infuriating as you try to figure out how you will deal with lost wages and pay medical expenses.

Washington state’s personal injury law allows accident victims to claim compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering. However, Washington is a comparative negligence state, meaning that an injury victim’s compensation can be reduced if they are found to have contributed to the accident to any degree. Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to blame injured victims to pay less than their claims are worth.

Due to the legal complexities involved with filing a personal injury claim, it is always best to hire an experienced accident lawyer to ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance company. Contact South Sound Law Group today to schedule a free consultation so we can determine how we can help.

What are the Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving accidents can occur for many reasons, including the driver paying attention to passengers or looking at another accident. Other driving behaviors that can lead to motor vehicle accidents include when a driver’s hands leave the wheel, such as eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS device. Other factors that often contribute to distracted driving accidents include driver fatigue or driving under the influence.

One of the most cited factors in distracted driving accidents in Washington is cell phone use, particularly texting and driving. When the driver’s eyes are diverted from the road for a few seconds, the chance of a collision increases. Under state law, it is illegal for drivers to hold a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, even if they are stopped in traffic, unless they are contacting 911 to report an emergency. Drivers can use hands-free devices for communications, but only if answering their phones requires a single push or swipe.

If a distracted or drunk driver has injured you, you must seek legal representation immediately. As with all personal injury cases, you have a limited time to seek compensation, so you should never hesitate to seek legal help to file a claim.

What Kind of Accidents Can Be Attributed to Distracted Driving Behaviors?

Distracted driving can have devastating effects on unsuspecting drivers and result in severe injuries. Even an accident that occurs at slow speeds can cause an accident victim to suffer soft tissue injuries such as whiplash. In other instances where vehicles are moving at faster speeds, many victims suffer brain or spinal cord injuries that can take significant time to heal or even result in permanent injuries.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions can occur when drivers fail to maintain their lane and drift into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions often result from fatigued or drunk driving. Head-on collisions can be dangerous, especially if they occur at high speeds, and often lead to severe injuries or wrongful death.

Rear End Collisions

Even at higher speeds, drivers may focus more on their cell phones than the road ahead. Drivers often try to read or answer a text while in traffic, and are unaware of stopped traffic in front of them, which results in rear-end collisions.

Side Impact Collisions

Side impact or T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle collides into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. They generally occur when motorists fail to yield to other drivers at intersections or violate other traffic laws.

What Can I Do if I Was Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident?

Being injured in a distracted driving accident can place a substantial financial burden on you and your family as you deal with unexpected medical bills and lost income. If you suffered severe injuries, you may be fearful about how you will afford ongoing medical expenses.

A distracted driving accident lawyer understands the legal nuances of personal injury law and will easily assist you with filing a personal injury claim to recover economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Your medical bills and other expenses can quickly become unmanageable, especially if you cannot return to work. A personal injury claim can help you recover economic damages that will reimburse you for your out-of-pocket costs and other costs you may incur. Some of the most common damages recovered include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded to reimburse accident victims for intangible losses that cannot be measured financially and may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney to Represent Me if I Have Been Injured By Distracted Driving?

The best choice you can make after being injured in a distracted driving accident is to hire an attorney who will assist you with the claims process. Due to the state’s comparative negligence laws, insurance companies often seek ways to blame accident victims to avoid paying them a favorable settlement.

A distracted driving accident lawyer understands the legal maneuvers that insurance providers use and knows what it takes to help you get a fair settlement. When you hire a car accident lawyer, they will act as your legal advocate, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive maximum compensation that adequately provides for your damages.

A distracted driving accident lawyer will also gather essential evidence to substantiate your claim, including medical records, accident and police reports, and witness statements. If the insurance company tries to argue that you are the at-fault driver, your attorney can call on an accident reconstructionist to prove your case.

Suppose you have lost a loved one and suffered fatal injuries caused by driver negligence. In that case, your legal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the liable party accountable for their actions.

What Makes Your Car Accident Attorneys the Right Choice to Help Me Recover Compensation?

South Sound Law Group has a proven track record of helping clients harmed by driver negligence. Our distracted driving accident attorneys are dedicated to handling negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our law firm has comprehensive knowledge of Washington state driving laws and is not easily intimidated by insurance providers and their legal teams.

Suppose the insurer is unwilling to pay just compensation for your injuries. In that case, our accident attorneys are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. When you come to us for legal assistance, we will utilize all our resources to construct a robust case that withstands legal scrutiny. However, our attorneys are skilled negotiators and often settle claims without the need for costly and time-consuming litigation.

Contact our law firm today at 253-465-2722 to schedule a free consultation with a Tacoma car accident lawyer who will happily review your case and determine how we can assist you.